Pink Army campaigns for the joy of it

They bring smiles to hospital patients

The girls of Pink Army get a lot of joy from performing, so when their performances can do the same for others, it’s a bonus.

One such time was a volunteer performance for the Lollipop Theater Network, which arranges first-run showings of movies to children who are in hospitals. A mother at this performance approached the girls afterward and told them that it was the first time she’d seen her daughter smile since first arriving at the hospital.

“That was really special to hear,” said Alicia Randolph, 13, a founding member of Pink Army.

“That means the world to us because that’s what we want is to make people around the world smile,” said Maddie Simpson, 14, another group member. “It was such a great feeling to know that we made them smile and we made them happy.”

Alicia, Maddie and Charisma Kain make up the electro-pop band that has been performing and recording for about three years. Alicia is a freshman at High Tech High International in Chula Vista and Charisma, 13, is in the eighth grade at Eastlake Middle School. (Simpson, who is originally from Del Mar, currently lives in Los Angeles.) After changes in the group led to the addition of Charisma and Maddie, the girls have been rehearsing, learning to play guitar and keyboard, performing, working on their second album, and making time for others.

“It’s amazing seeing the kids smile and it makes me smile, and it warms my heart,” Charisma said about the Lollipop Theater work. “Watching them have a good time makes my day.”

They’ve also spent time working with Kids Korps USA, CHOC Children’s (Children’s Hospital of Orange County), Autism Speaks, a benefit for people with cystic fibrosis, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and the UCLA Health System. They perform, help pass out toys or sign postcards because volunteering their time is important to them.

“No one deserves to be in the hospital or sick or anything,” Alicia said. “It’s really important for them, whether they’re kids or adults, just to have fun or have a good time... it’s good to see them, like, dancing or smiling.”

“Not only has it kept us grounded, it’s shown us how extremely lucky we are and how we’re just so lucky to have our health and our happiness,” Maddie said. “The charity work and volunteer work is something that’s a real eye-opening experience and it makes you feel better about yourself and you get to help people out. I think that’s just the best thing you can do.”

Do you know of a volunteer or student who should be in the spotlight? Contact Lisa Deaderick at (619) 293-2503, or lisa.deaderick@utsandiego.com